F1 driver race car numbers 2023: Why does Lewis Hamilton use No.44 in Formula 1?

Formula 1 race car numbers are now part and parcel of the sport we know and love.

Having been introduced in 2014 to make it easier for fans to spot drivers when they're out on the circuit, many drivers' number choices have personal stories behind them.

With Max Verstappen — the reigning world champion — allowed the privilege of using the No.1 for the second successive years, other drivers have to lock in their choices at the start of their F1 careers.

The Sporting News delves a little deeper in race numbers and, particularly, Lewis Hamilton's choice.

MORE: F1 2023 season predictions, odds, betting tips and best bets for new campaign

What are Formula 1 driver race car numbers?

Race numbers are simply the number attached to each driver to individualise them from the rest of the grid. You'll find each driver's number on the front of their car.

All drivers can chose any (available) number between 1 and 99.

Why does Lewis Hamilton have No.44?

Hamilton is a rare case in F1, in that he elected not to drive with the No.1 on his car even after becoming world champion, when he was offered the privilege.

The Brit has always raced with his 'lucky' No.44 because he drove his first kart race with that number — the story goes that he took the number from the licence plate of his father's car: F44.

"When I started racing when I was eight, the number plate on my dad’s car — he had this red Cavalier — was F44," Hamilton told PETRONAS Motorsports.

"So he used 44 — it was his idea. And then it became the family lucky number."

Back in 🇧🇭 pic.twitter.com/OpEisfNRMD

— Lewis Hamilton (@LewisHamilton) February 23, 2023

Full list of F1 race numbers 2023